PADUCAH, Ky. — The West Kentucky chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes held its annual Gamechanger banquet with featured speaker Dan McDonnell Monday night.
McDonnell, entering his 20th season as Louisville’s head baseball coach, has won 793 games, 10 conference championships and has led the Cardinals to 6 College World Series appearances, including last season.
McDonnell said the message he shares with his young athletes has less to do with winning and more about preparing them for life after college.
“Yeah, I want to win games, I’m competitive, love helping these guys achieve their goals and dreams, and a lot of that is to play pro ball,” McDonnell said. “What’s going to make the biggest impact is the things that they learn in our program, and hoping they become great husbands, great fathers, [and] great ambassadors.”
McDonnell does have a connection to Paducah, as he recently coached Paducah Tilghman alum Justin West.
West was a part of the Cardinal squad in last season’s college World Series run, pitching in 4.2 innings with 5 strikeouts over two games in Omaha.
West was drafted in the 18th round by the New York Yankees.
For more details on the Gamechanger banquet, CLICK HERE